Saturday, February 21, 2009

Watch out for these Symptoms of Heart Disease

By Allie Hart

The signs of common heart problems are not always easily recognized. Some symptoms of coronary heart disease need immediate attention. Other symptoms may not even be related to the heart. How can you tell the difference?

Any one or a combination of heart disease symptoms is a good reason to call your doctor and bring them to the doctor's attention. Although they might not indicate heart trouble, there's a chance you could have experienced a type of cardiac arrest. If you find yourself having heart disease symptoms, it's imperative to discuss the situation with your doctor even if you think it may not be serious.

Here are some common symptoms: Feeling exhausted without apparent reason -- not being able to do a full day's work or even finish simple chores. You might have a loss of appetite, or even nausea with a bloated stomach feeling. Finding breathing labored or difficult without exertion is another sign. All of these should be reported to your doctor.

Your heart might race, or beat irregularly -- heart palpitations. You may have pains in your chest. These are other signs or symptoms of heart disease.

Smoking, excessive drinking, and substance abuse can elevate symptoms of heart disease. You are also at greater risk if there is a history of common heart problems in your family. So share any of those risk factors, and if you are having the above mentioned signs, particularly if they are combined, call your doctor right away. If you cannot get hold of him you probably should go into the hospital emergency room. Have a friend or family member drive you.

Call 911 or if you must, have someone take you to the hospital without any delay if you have an excruciating chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sudden weakness or profuse sweating. If you experience a severe shortness of breath along with an accelerated heart rate, you should also seek immediate medical attention. Weakness or loss of the ability to move, sudden excruciating headache, fainting or loss of consciousness are all symptoms requiring prompt treatment.

Before your symptoms turn into a full blown heart attack, call your doctor even if you don't think you are in immediate danger. If you are having the severe signs, go to the hospital or call 911. It might save your life.

About the Author:

No comments: